founded in 1891 by botanist Nathaniel Lord Britton. It is a national historic landmark and one of the United States top horticultural destinations.
The New York Botanical Garden is located on a 250-acre site in the Bronx. You'll enjoy 27 outdoor gardens and plant collections, a breathtaking Victorian conservatory and a 40-acre forest untouched since before the area was settled. Erase everything you’ve every heard about the Bronx! This garden is unmatched!
More than 500,000 people visit the garden every year,and with good reason. It offers something for everyone: a calming stroll through the gardens, inspiration and tips for amateur and professional gardeners alike, a myriad of classes to enjoy, and much, much more. I’ve visited more than 25 times and I never tired of it. Feeling stressed? The Botanical Garden is your antidote!
THE ENID A. HAUPT CONSERVATORY
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, pictured above, is the centerpiece of the garden. You probably recognize its picture because it's been featured in many movies and magazines. It is the home of the famous Christmas Train Show (NOT to be missed by any age) and more than 3000 plant specimens placed in one of 4 distinct natural environments. You’ll experience The Lowland Tropical Rain Forest, The Upland Tropical Rain Forest, The Desert of the Americas, and The Desert of Africa. No need to hop on a plane--you have it all right here!
The New York Botanical Garden offers a river and cascading waterfalls, a forest, natural terrain with rocks, ponds, and 18 specialty gardens including, but not limited to:
Experience the peace and tranquility of the New York Botanical Garden's many waterfalls, right now! See? Now, imagine now much better you'd feel if you were really there?
MY SPECIAL TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are visiting with children, don’t miss The Everett Children's Adventure Garden , a 12-acre indoor-outdoor museum. Your children will learn about plants, science, and the natural world through hands-on activities that are fun and educational. My son loved the topiaries and mazes!
The parking lot fills up very quickly and early. So, get there first thing! You can easily spend the day there.
Bring your own lunch, snacks, and beverages to save time and money. Enjoy the new picnic area.
Wear very comfortable shoes.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sun screen for the summer. You’ll be outside a lot.
Check the map, and plan your day in advance. It’s tempting to try to "do it in a day," but you simply can’t! And, if you try, you won’t enjoy your day. Plan, plan, plan!
Unlike most tourist attractions, this garden offers two dining opportunities that serve the food of renowned caterer Abigail Kirsch.
Be sure to visit the Christmas Train Show in November and December. It's a holiday delight!
If this is your first visit, I recommend the Tram Tour. It provides an excellent overview of the garden and the narrator is quite informative!
WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
The New York Botanical Garden is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard in the borough of the Bronx, New York, 10458. Specifically, it's at the Bronx River Parkway and Fordham Road in Bedford Park. Their telephone number is (718) 817-8700.
MY SPECIAL DISCOUNT TIPS
1-Visit at any time, on any Wednesday, or any Saturday morning before 12:00 Noon, and admission is free. However, this does NOT include admission to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Rock and Native Plant Gardens (April–October), or Tram Tour.
4-Use your New York Botanical Garden membership card and gain free admission all the time. Highly recommended, see my information below—very important! If you become an individual member for $75, you can bring 2 guests, and get free parking. You've saved in one visit. If you purchase a family membership, you can use it at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and a host of other gardens around the country. It's really a great buy.
5-Members of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Wave Hill, or any of the 2010 American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program, (there are MANY of them) enjoy free admission all the time. BEFORE you visit, click on the link to see if your hometown botanical garden is a member! There are lots of members all over the United States. You’ll save big!
6-Use your AAA card (Automobile Association of America) and save $2 on weekend adult all-garden pass tickets and save $4 on weekday adult all-garden pass tickets.
7-Goldstar as they very often have discounted tickets!
REGULAR ADMISSION TO NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
Adults: $6 Adult Bronx Residents: $5 Seniors: $3 Students (with valid ID): $3 Children (2–12 years): $1 Children under 2: Free
WHAT IS AN ALL-GARDEN PASS?
The all-garden pass includes current exhibitions, The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, current garden exhibitions, The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, The Rock Garden and Native Plant Garden, Tram Tour, Garden Grounds, Rondina and LoFaro Gallery, Arthur & Janet Ross Gallery, Britton Science Rotunda and Gallery, Nolen Greenhouse, 50 Acre Forest Trail, Benenson Ornamental Conifer Collection, and the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden.
PRICES
Adults: $20 Seniors/Students (w/valid ID): $18 Children (2–12): $8 Children (under 2): Free Members: Free Members’ guest passes must be redeemed on site on the day of your visit.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
If you are visiting the Botanical Garden as a family or group, or you plan to visit a lot, you should DEFINITELY become a member to save BIG. I highly recommend it...do the math and see what other gardens you will visit in NYC AND elsewhere! Here are membership fees and benefits.
INDIVIDUAL: $75 (100% tax deductible)
Year-round admission for 1 adult to the Garden grounds, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Everett Children's Adventure Garden, Rock and Native Plant Gardens, and Tram tours during normal Garden hours.
Members-only exhibition previews, events, and trips.
4 parking passes.
2 complimentary guest passes.
Discounts at area nurseries and garden centers.
Reciprocal benefits at participating gardens and arboretum.
Unlimited tours and transportation on Garden Tram.
View exhibitions and reserve member tickets before the general public.
10% discount at Shop in the Garden and monthly Member specials.
Discounts on education programs for adults and children.
Subscription to Garden News, our quarterly newsletter.
Admission to Home Gardening Demonstrations,
Access to the most comprehensive garden and botanical resources available.
Plant information specialists available via phone and website.
Privileges with the LuEsther T. Mertz Library.
DUAL $100 (100% Tax Deductible)
All benefits of Individual Membership, plus:
Admission for a second adult.
2 additional parking passes.
FAMILY $120 (100% Tax Deductible)
All benefits of Individual Membership plus:
Admission for a second adult and children under 16 years of age.
parking passes.
additional complimentary guest passes.
Garden Members receive year-round admission.
discounts at Shop in the Garden and on education programs.
participate in on-going garden programs.
receive exclusive invitations to special member days, trips and programs.
discounts at area garden centers and reciprocal admission to over 200 gardens and arboretum nationwide!
When you venture out for a day at the gardens, be sure to pack the essentials. This will help to enhance your day! Be prepared by checking out my tips in the "what to place in your backpack" section of my packing list! You'll be glad you did!
